HONIARA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The counting process is underway on Thursday for Solomon Islands' joint election, encompassing both national and provincial elections.
Following the conclusion of voting on Wednesday across the various constituencies in the country, the majority of the ballot boxes have now arrived at their respective counting centers, which marks the beginning of the crucial counting process in the electoral cycle.
Reports indicate that several counting centers have initiated the essential step of verifying the contents of the received ballot boxes before commencing the actual counting. This meticulous verification process ensures the integrity and accuracy of the electoral outcome.
A total of 334 candidates are vying for 50 seats in the parliamentary election. Party-affiliated candidates outnumber independent candidates 219 to 115.
Meanwhile, 816 candidates are contending for positions in the provincial assemblies and 89 for the Honiara City Council.
The results of the provincial wards will be the first to be unveiled, preceding the announcement of the national results, said Jasper Anisi, chief electoral officer of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission. ■
